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Pulmonary Function Technologist Jobs in California

Trinity Health

$30.99 - $50.71/hr

Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) required within 6 months of hire * Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) preferred * Bilingual in Spanish highly desired Our Promise to ...

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Trinityhealth

$30.99 - $50.71/hr

Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) required within 6 months of hire * Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) preferred * Bilingual in Spanish highly desired Our Promise to ...

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Pulmonary Function Technologist information

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$78

How much do pulmonary function technologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for pulmonary function technologist in California is $31.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pulmonary function technologist?

Pulmonary Function Technologists are healthcare professionals who perform tests to assess lung function and help diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions. They use specialized equipment to measure how well a patient's lungs are working, such as how much air they can hold and how efficiently oxygen is exchanged. These tests assist physicians in identifying diseases like asthma, COPD, and other lung disorders. Pulmonary Function Technologists also ensure the safety and comfort of patients during testing and maintain accurate records of test results.

What does a pulmonary function technologist do?

As a pulmonary function technologist, you set up and run respiratory tests on patients to check for lung diseases or disorders. Your duties require you to have patients conduct various types of tests and collaborate with other medical staff to help them diagnose possible lung disease. Your responsibilities also include explaining the tests to patients, maintaining the testing equipment, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, and ordering supplies. You can complete these procedures at hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pulmonary function technologist?

To thrive as a Pulmonary Function Technologist, you need a solid understanding of respiratory anatomy, physiology, and pulmonary function testing protocols, usually demonstrated by an associate’s degree in respiratory care or a related field and credentialing such as CPFT or RPFT. Familiarity with pulmonary diagnostic equipment, spirometry systems, and medical software is essential for accurate test administration and data analysis. Strong attention to detail, patient communication, and organizational skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are vital to ensure precise diagnostic results, patient comfort, and effective collaboration with healthcare teams.

What are some common challenges faced by pulmonary function technologists during patient testing, and how can they be managed?

Pulmonary Function Technologists often encounter challenges such as patients having difficulty understanding or performing test maneuvers, especially among pediatric, elderly, or critically ill individuals. Managing these challenges involves clear communication, demonstrating procedures, and offering reassurance to ease patient anxiety. Technologists must also be skilled at troubleshooting equipment issues and ensuring strict adherence to infection control protocols. Collaboration with respiratory therapists, nurses, and physicians is essential to coordinate care and address complex cases effectively.

What is the difference between Pulmonary Function Technologist vs Respiratory Therapist?

AspectPulmonary Function TechnologistRespiratory Therapist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CPFT), specialized trainingAssociate's or Bachelor's degree, state licensure, certification (e.g., RRT)
Work EnvironmentDiagnostic labs, hospitals, clinicsHospitals, emergency rooms, long-term care
Job FocusPerforming pulmonary function tests and diagnosticsProviding respiratory care and therapy
Industry UsagePrimarily in diagnostic settingsClinical patient care and treatment

While both roles involve respiratory health, Pulmonary Function Technologists focus on diagnostic testing, whereas Respiratory Therapists provide direct patient care and therapy. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Pulmonary Function Technologist jobs

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Pulmonary Function Technologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pulmonary Function Technologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,267 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Respiratory Therapist I (Pulmonary Function Lab)

University of California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$50.96 - $67.23/hr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

University Of California rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description Join our dedicated team of healthcare professionals supporting the diagnosis and treatment of cardiopulmonary disease through advanced pulmonary diagnostic testing. As a Respiratory Therapist you will perform a variety of pulmonary function and exercise studies while contributing to quality improvement, staff education, and research initiatives across the Health System. Key responsibilities:
  • Perform routine pulmonary function testing, including spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusion studies
  • Conduct advanced diagnostic procedures, including Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) studies and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)
  • Assist with quality control procedures, preventative maintenance, and equipment troubleshooting
  • Participate in personnel training and competency development
  • Support the implementation of new testing procedures and protocols
  • Assist with coordinating daily operations and shift activities
  • Collaborate with physicians, researchers, and interdisciplinary teams
  • Monitory quality assurance activities and maintain accurate documentation
May include rotating day, night, and weekend shifts Must be flexible to work throughout the Health system as needed
Salary range: $50.96/hr - $67.23/hr Qualifications Required Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy or related field. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Current California Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) License. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Preferred Bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy or related field. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) certification from the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of biological sciences and cardiopulmonary physiology sufficient to perform pulmonary function testing. Experience performing routine pulmonary function studies. Familiarity with pulmonary laboratory equipment, including blood gas analyzers, exercise testing systems, and related diagnostic equipment. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills. Ability to effectively interact with patients, providers, staff, and research personnel. Physical Requirements Ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds. Ability to assist in moving patients weighing up to 100 pounds. Ability to stand and/or walk for up to 75% of a 12-hour shift. Ability to sit, kneel, crouch, push, pull, and reach as needed throughout the workday. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with patients, families, physicians, faculty, staff, and visitors.

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